Content :
- Quantum Challenge
- Lighting the Spark in U.K.-India Cultural Relations
- It Is Still Not Too Late for India’s Voice to Be Heard
Quantum challenge
Scientific Breakthrough
- IIT-Delhi and DRDO successfully demonstrated Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) over 1 km free space.
- This allows two parties to securely exchange messages, with instant detection of eavesdropping.
- If scaled via satellites, it could enable a nationwide quantum-secure communication network.
Relevance : GS 3(Technology ,Research )
Practice Question : “Quantum cybersecurity offers an uncrackable framework for secure communication, but India’s structural and administrative bottlenecks threaten its leadership potential in quantum technology.” Discuss in the context of the National Quantum Mission.(250 Words)
Why Quantum Cybersecurity Matters
- Current security relies on mathematically hard problems (e.g., RSA encryption).
- Quantum computers could easily break these using Shor’s algorithm, making conventional encryption obsolete.
- Quantum cybersecurity offers uncrackable channels, regardless of computing power.
National Quantum Mission (NQM) – Context
- Approved in 2023 with an outlay of ₹6,003 crore (originally proposed ₹8,000 crore in 2020).
- Has four pillars, including quantum communication.
- Aims to place India among top global players in quantum tech by 2031.
Systemic Challenges in Implementation
- Funding & Bureaucracy
- Minimal disbursement of the allocated outlay so far.
- Researchers face:
- Just-in-time funding delays
- Bureaucratic bottlenecks (no single-window clearance)
- Cumbersome documentation
- Foreign Dependencies
- Hardware imports required for cryostats, sensors, etc.
- Quantum software stacks dominated by MNCs, limiting indigenous development.
- Talent Retention Issues
- Low government pay compared to global offers.
- Researchers on short-term contracts, often renting equipment.
- Insecure career paths and delays hinder long-term R&D.
- Comparative Underinvestment
- India’s quantum budget is:
- 1/5th of the U.S.
- 1/20th of China
- Global quantum race risks leaving India behind without structural upgrades.
The Core Argument: Administrative Reform is Critical
- Scientific excellence cannot be scaled without parallel institutional and administrative reform.
- India cannot just “clip on” innovation to outdated bureaucratic structures.
- True progress in quantum technology requires:
- Decentralized autonomy
- Agile project execution
- Researcher-centric funding models
- Public-private-academic collaboration ecosystems
Way Forward
- Ensure timely, flexible funding and ease of doing research.
- Build domestic capability in hardware and software.
- Offer competitive incentives to retain top talent.
- Empower mission-mode institutions with operational freedom.
Lighting the spark in U.K.-India cultural relations
Key Diplomatic & Cultural Milestones
- May 2025 saw two major Indo-U.K. achievements:
- Ratification of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
- Signing of the Programme of Cultural Cooperation (POCC) on May 2, 2025.
- POCC was signed by:
- Rt Hon Lisa Nandy (U.K. Secretary of State for Culture)
- Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (India’s Minister of Culture)
Relevance : GS 2(International Relations)
Practice Question : India and the United Kingdom’s Programme of Cultural Cooperation (POCC) is a strategic investment in soft power diplomacy and creative economic collaboration. Examine how such cultural partnerships contribute to India’s global stature and domestic development.(250 Words)
Programme of Cultural Cooperation (POCC): Core Themes
- Digital technologies for culture
- Exhibitions and collections
- Performances and cultural events
- Cultural property
- Sustainability in creative practices
These areas support India’s creative economy and U.K.’s industrial strategy for economic growth via culture.
Global & National Context
- Creative sector projected to reach 10% of global GDP by 2030.
- Endorsed during the G20 New Delhi Summit (2023).
- India hosted WAVES Summit (World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit) for the first time.
- Lisa Nandy was the highest-ranking international delegate and emphasized creative industries’ role in sustainability and employment generation.
India’s Creative Economy – A Snapshot
- Valuation: $35 billion
- Workforce: Employs 8% of India’s labour force (second only to agriculture)
- Diversity: Top 6 of 10 creative hubs are in non-metro regions (e.g., Badgam, Tiruppur)
- Education infrastructure: 300+ universities, 3,000+ colleges offer design, arts, architecture courses.
Opportunities for India–U.K. Collaboration
- Leverage U.K.’s 1,700+ museums and digital capabilities.
- Joint efforts in:
- AI, AR/VR in arts
- Cultural heritage preservation
- Skill-building and education
- Institutions involved: British Council, British Library, Arts Council England, Science Museum Group, etc.
Key Challenges Identified
- Skills gap in the creative sector.
- Need for vocational training, apprenticeships, global competencies.
- Adapting to emerging technologies in arts (AI, immersive tech).
- Urgency to integrate tech into creative education.
Example of Corporate–Cultural Collaboration
- Royal Enfield + UNESCO partnership:
- Himalayan Knot Project for textile conservation.
- 580+ artisans supported in the Himalayas.
- Sustainable craft linked with market access.
Strategic Vision
- PM Modi’s vision: India as a global creative hub.
- Success depends on trilateral collaboration between:
- Government
- Industry
- Academia
Cultural Diplomacy – The Binding Thread
- Cultural cooperation serves as a soft power bridge in uncertain geopolitical times.
- People and their stories are the foundation of enduring Indo-U.K. relations.
- Culture and creativity are healing tools and economic multipliers.
It is still not too late for India’s voice to be heard
Context
- On June 13, 2025, Israel conducted airstrikes on Iranian territory, reportedly targeting strategic/military assets.
- The attack occurred during ongoing diplomatic talks between the U.S. and Iran, raising concerns of regional escalation.
- The editorial emphasizes India’s diplomatic position in such conflicts and calls for a return to value-based international engagement.
Relevance : GS 2(International Relations)
Practice Question : In light of the recent Israel–Iran escalation, critically examine India’s diplomatic options in West Asia. How can India balance its moral commitments with its strategic interests in the region?
(15 marks, 250 words)
West Asia Geopolitical Landscape
- Iran:
- A signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
- Was part of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which imposed limits on uranium enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief.
- U.S. unilaterally exited JCPOA in 2018.
- Israel:
- Not a signatory to NPT.
- Widely believed to possess nuclear weapons.
- Conducts periodic pre-emptive strikes on perceived threats in the region.
- U.S. Intelligence (March 2025): Publicly stated that Iran had not resumed nuclear weapons development since 2003.
India’s Stake in West Asia
- Strategic Interests:
- Energy security: Iran was a major oil supplier before sanctions.
- Connectivity:
- Chabahar Port project and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) were affected by re-imposed sanctions on Iran.
- Diaspora: Millions of Indians live and work in West Asia; regional stability directly affects their safety and remittances.
- Balanced Relations:
- Strong defense and innovation ties with Israel.
- Historical and cultural ties with Iran, including support on multilateral forums.
India’s Traditional Foreign Policy Approach
- Historically aligned with non-alignment, strategic autonomy, and support for a two-state solution in the Israel–Palestine conflict.
- Advocated for multilateral diplomacy, respect for sovereignty, and restraint in international affairs.
- India has previously expressed support for peaceful resolution through dialogue in West Asia.
Editorial’s Key Argument
- The strike on Iran risks further regional destabilization.
- Occurred during a time when diplomatic engagement was underway — undermining peaceful resolution prospects.
- Raises concerns over double standards in global diplomacy: while Iran is scrutinized, Israel’s nuclear status and actions receive limited accountability.
- Urges India to utilize its balanced relationships and diplomatic capital to promote de-escalation and peace in the region.
India’s Potential Role
- India could act as a credible interlocutor, given its good ties with Iran, Israel, and Western nations.
- Has an opportunity to promote:
- De-escalation
- Support for multilateral frameworks (like JCPOA)
- Humanitarian considerations in conflict zones
- A proactive stance aligns with India’s aspirations as a responsible global power and voice of the Global South.
Diplomatic Balancing Act
- India must weigh:
- Moral diplomacy (support for sovereignty, humanitarian principles)
- Strategic interests (defense ties, energy security, diaspora safety)
- Adopting a principled, yet pragmatic approach is critical in sensitive international scenarios.
Disclaimer : The views and opinions expressed here are based on the original article published in THE HINDU and do not reflect the official stance of Legacy IAS Academy. This content is provided solely for Academic purposes.
